Online ticketing holds key to control in pandemic
A 90-acre country park and adventure centre in Devon has introduced on-line ticketing technology to support its re-opening plans as it gears up for a rush of visitors when lockdown ends.
CRS Adventures is an outdoor activity business based at River Dart Country Park. Activities include a treetop high ropes course and water-based activities such as kayaking and canoeing. It turned to advance ticketing online last year when Covid-19 restrictions completely changed visitor patterns.
They are now using the TygTickets system to take advance bookings so that they can ensure social distancing; plan staffing levels in advance and be certain car parking facilities are not overwhelmed when the expected rush of visitors occurs.
Adam Habasinski, Chief Instructor at CRS Adventures said: “We had previously only used TygTickets for our annual Picnic in the Park and Fireworks Events. Day visitors would arrive, and we would estimate numbers based on the weather forecast.”
“Last year when social distancing regulations were issued, we wanted to eliminate queues as much as possible as it is not good for the customer experience. Prior to using the TygTicket system we found there were days when it was all hands to the pump to cope. Now we are turning to people booking their tickets in advance and the TygTickets system has been invaluable to us putting us in control, rather than the customer controlling how we operate.”
“In the months ahead, it is going to be even more important as we believe people will want to get out into adventure parks like ours and enjoy the summer, and we are expecting unprecedented demand. The TygTickets system enables us to limit visitors to 400 a day, which we know our car park can cope with and they can book time slots for specific parts of the attraction.”
Previously, staff would have to be moved onto car park duties on busy days, removing them from the attraction’s various outdoor activities. Now, with numbers regulated and a known number of visitors each day, staff can be deployed where they are needed, and customers get fast and efficient access to the fun.
Prior to using the TygTickets system people would buy tokens for activities, they can now purchase tickets live via any mobile device, this is a paperless system where people simply show their phone booking. CRS Adventures have set up a wi-fi hotspot to overcome issues with a small number of people whose phones cannot access networks.
Maureen Huck of TygTickets said: “Contactless entry gives customers reassurance in these times. It is great to hear how the system has benefitted the centre at River Dart Country Park in so many ways. We were pleased to work with them to shape the system to match their needs.
Information on CRS Adventures can be found at www.crsadventures.com and information on TygTickets at www.tygtickets.com.
